SDH Halfboard Stay at Montra Odder Parkhotel

Attractions nearby of SDH Halfboard Stay

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  Odder Church

  0.42 km

  One of Denmark's old village churches

  Just like many other Danish village churches, Odder Church was built in the 12th century when the wooden churches of the Norse religion and the Viking Age were replaced by the almost everlasting stone churches inspired by southern architecture. Odder Church was constructed in Romanesque style, the earliest architectural style among the current Danish churches. The church was built using ashlar stones, with more than 1,200 types of stones manually dragged and hewn for its construction. In other words, constructing such a building required a tremendous effort.

  Odder Church was erected at a site where there was once a busy ford across the Odder Stream. It was located a few hundred meters from the former village, situated where the Town Square stands today. Since then, Odder has expanded significantly in size, and the church has been expanded several times. The church remains active today as the parish church of the town and the main church in the Odder Provsti (pastorate).

   

  The landowner's church

  Originally belonging to the Danish king, Odder Church was handed over in 1661 when Denmark had to cede Scania after a lost war, resulting in Danes relinquishing land. In compensation, the Danish prime minister, Joachim Gersdorff, was granted a considerable amount of land around Odder, including local manors and Odder Church itself. His heirs left a significant mark on the Odder area. One of them was Jens Rodsteen of Rodsteenseje, who inherited the church, keeping it within the Rodsteenseje family for the next 200 years. His influence is still evident in the church as in 1694, he expanded the church with a transept, serving as his family's burial chapel. Here, he and his wife, Sofie Gersdorff, lie buried in a crypt hidden by a wooden trapdoor. A large, distinguished tomb adorned with Greek sea gods, dolphins, and the couple's busts honor their memory in the church space. Even at that time, it was highly unusual to depict gods of other religions in Christian churches.

  The crypt is approximately four meters high and wide. In ancient times, there was a wooden box atop one of the coffins with a hole in the top. Inside were two small dried-up piglets. This might seem bizarre but stems from the family's superstition. Around the family's manors, one could also find dried-up animal parts scattered. These were not to be removed; otherwise, it was believed that misfortune would befall the family. It was St. St. Blicher's father, Pastor Niels Blicher, who, to his great surprise, found the mummified piglets when he was the only one allowed to peer into the crypt.

  In total, there are 22 coffins from the family in the crypt: 13 adults and 9 children.

  It wasn't until the early 1900s that the church became self-owned.

   

  About Odder Church

  Odder Church today appears as a beautiful, whitewashed Romanesque church. It consists of the original choir and nave from the 12th century, along with a late medieval porch and a robust tower.

  The first thing one encounters is a distinguished brick portal from the 15th century at the entrance to the churchyard. Inside the church, fragments of 14th-century frescoes can be seen, and the church's original Romanesque baptismal font with traces of paint and gold also holds historical value.

  The church's original golden altarpiece now stands at the National Museum. It was replaced in 1640 by a beautifully carved altarpiece crafted by one of the finest sculptors of that time.

  The pulpit dates back to around 1600 with original paintings.

   

  Would you like to visit Odder Church?

  Odder Church is open when the church staff is present at the churchyard, typically on weekdays during office hours. The church is not accessible during religious services, ceremonies, and other church-related events unless you are participating in them.

   

  More historical attractions

  Kystlandet offers many exciting historical attractions, from ancient times to industrial history, from museums to architectural marvels and attractions in nature. On this page, you can find inspiration for historically intriguing experiences near Horsens, Odder, and Juelsminde.

  Read more : Odder Church

• 

  Historical sculpture "To på tur"

  0.76 km

  Local art in the streetscape

  The renowned native artist from Odder, Ole Grøn, has created a completely unique work that tells the story of Odder and its prominent personalities in a whole new way.

  In collaboration with Odder Museum, the Odder Local Historical Archive, and local residents, stories and memories about Odder and its surroundings have been collected. He did this by diving into books and also cycling out to local communities to listen to the residents' stories. Hence the name To På Tur (Two on Tour).

  The many narratives were captured by Ole Grøn in his drawings, which were transformed into one cohesive sculptural piece that was inaugurated in VitaPark in Odder in 2015.

   

  Get your bike out

  To På Tur is a combination of art, local storytelling, and nature experiences.

  The main work is the sculptural piece located in VitaPark, centrally in Odder. Additionally, there are 10 other smaller parts of the work, which are placed in the municipality's towns and tourist destinations, creating a natural route through the beautiful landscape.

  It is recommended that you follow in Ole Grøn's footsteps and cycle a round trip past all the artworks. So, get your bike out and explore Odder's many stories and beautiful nature.

   

  Here You Can Experience To på Tur

  Odder in VitaPark
  Norsminde
  Saksild Beach
  Hou Harbour
  Ørting opposite the church
  Gylling by the mill
  Alrø by Alrø Købmandsgaard
  Sondrup town
  Hundslund by the church
  Torrild by the church
  Tunø the village pond

   

  More art experiences and cycling tours

  On this page, you can find inspiration for sculptures, galleries, and other art experiences in the region around Odder.

  Looking for other cycling routes in the local area? Then check out this page.

  Read more : Historical sculpture "To på tur"

• 

  Odder Museum

  0.78 km

  Unique local museum in Odder

  The Odder area is a historically rich, agricultural region that holds many fascinating stories. Located centrally in Odder, the town's museum showcases the history through exhibitions about the roles, activities, and lifestyles that have shaped the area into what you see today. The museum consists of three historical buildings as well as a modern exhibition building.

  The first thing you encounter when visiting the museum is the large mill building. Don’t be deceived by the cold outer walls; as soon as you step over the threshold into the heart of the water and steam mill, it feels like stepping into a time capsule. The mill, built in 1883, closed in 1953 and remains as it was when production ceased. Take your time as you explore the three floors of the mill and be amazed by the techniques our ancestors used to produce flour for the area.

  Once you've finished in the mill, be sure to explore the rest of the museum. Here you will find stories from the old miller, Denmark's largest collection of hunting equipment, and intriguing gardens. You can also see the unique Bjørnkær set—a distillation apparatus from the 1300s, discovered during excavations of the nearby Bjørnkær ruins.

   

  Keep an eye on the current special exhibition

  Odder Museum hosts changing special exhibitions on interesting cultural historical themes. Each year, you can experience a new, major special exhibition. The museum also has a long tradition of collaborating with and showcasing renowned local artists.

   

  Enjoy your coffee on the green area

  You won't find a more idyllic spot than the green area by Odder Museum. Buy a cup of coffee and a piece of kringle from the café, and relax while children and the young at heart play by the lake's edge and explore life in the water.

   

  Activities and guided tours from Odder Museum

  Each year, Odder Museum organizes a wealth of exciting activities and events. You can experience everything from lectures to children's activities and guided walks. Many of these activities take place outside the museum's four walls. During guided tours, you'll venture into nature—where traces of history are visible in the landscape. This can include land-based activities such as hiking or cycling, or water-based activities with the museum's kayaks.

  You can see upcoming events and activities at Odder Museum on this page.

  Odder Museum is a department of Moesgård Museum.

  Read more : Odder Museum

• The Bear Grotto (Bjørnegrotten)

  1.82 km

  Visit a real bear grotto

  Rathlousdal Forest is located in the southwestern outskirts of Odder. The forest is only a short walking distance away from the city centre and is a great suggestion for a local excursion in nature. Not least because of its greatest attraction, the Bear Grotto, which is very popular among children. The characteristic old building is now somewhat decayed, but it is still easy to see how the bears used to live. There is a bathing pool and a cave where the big teddy bears could hide. There are bars at the front of the bear grotto. They were used to protect the passers-by in the forest from the big animals. Remember to take a picture of the kids shaking the bars.

   

  Why is there a bear grotto in the forest?

  Rathlousdal Forest is named after the manor Rathlousdal, located in the southern edge of the forest. The manor has had quite a few colourful estate owners over time who have all contributed to shaping the area. One of them was Emil von Holstein-Rathlou who had a great personal interest in exotic animals. In 1878 he chose to open a zoo in the manor forest with free access for Odder’s inhabitants – to much delight of the local population. Here, trey had the chance to see red deer and kangaroos when walking through the forest. But the biggest attraction was two little bear cubs that von Holstein-Rathlou bought when visiting Russia. The cubs grew big quite fast, had cubs of their own and lived in the forest for 10 years until the estate owner was tired of taking care of them and closed the zoo.

  Today, the bear grotto is the only evidence Odder’s old zoo.

   

  Bring pancakes

  A peculiar story is that the bears were fed on pancakes. So bring pancakes on the trip, so the children can really play the role of bear for a day.

   

  How do I get to the Bear Grotto?

  If you go to the bear grotto by car, you can park by the side of the road on Kongshusvej, where a small path leads into the forest. This is close to the spot where Kongshusvej meets Lundhoffvej. On foot, you can look forward to a two-kilometre-hike from the city centre. The nearest entrance to the forest is at Rathlousdals Allé. On our digital map, you can see the parking lot and suggestions for routes in the forest. You can follow the routes around forest via gps. If you are in the mood for a longer hike, we suggest combining Rathlousdal Forest with the nearby Vejlskoven Forest.

  Read more : The Bear Grotto (Bjørnegrotten)

• 

  The Ecology Garden (Økologiens Have)

  1.83 km

  A delightful refuge for the whole family

  This large organic garden facility located in the outskirts of Odder is a big hit among children and garden enthusiasts. Allow plenty of time for your visit because there is a lot to experience in the big 20 hectare facility. There are a total of 14 different themed gardens and many facilities for children, a café, and a store. All of this focusing on ecology and biodiversity.

   

  The many gardens

  14 gardens, each offering different experiences, scents and impressions, are scattered around the Ecology Garden.

  In the herb garden, there are more than 200 different plants in abundance of colours and scents. The herb garden is divided into three sections with herbal medicine, previouslu utilized herbs, and homeopathic herbs respectively. You can learn more about the use of the herbs through information on site.

  You should also stop by orchard/vineyard which has many well-known and more uncommon fruit trees. Or the vegetable garden with 34 beds of a multitude of vegetables. Or the residential garden where you can find inspiration for the garden at home.

  If you are more interested in wild nature then visit the forest garden with a lake, the birch grove, or the nature gardens including the steppe garden, the prairie garden, the swamp garden or the shadow garden.

   

  For children

  In the Ecology Garden there are many sweet and friendly animals that you can pet, including goats, ponies, donkeys, cows, pigs, chickens, and birds. Children can spend hours making new friends among the animals.

  At the marketplace, you can find a big, roofed straw playground that children love. There is also a regular playground with a sand box and playground equipment.

   

  Café, shop, and plants for sale

  Near the entrance to the Ecology Garden there is a café and a store. In the café you can purchase ice-cream as well as cold and hot beverage. During weekends and high season, you can also enjoy home baked bread and lunch dishes.

  In connection to the café there is also a small store selling seeds, herbs, vegetable plants, gardening books, and tools.

  Across from the café, you can also enter a greenhouse selling plants, seeds, jars, bushes and more. Here, you can purchase many of the plants that you have seen in the gardens. If you are in need of summer flowers, herbaceous perennial, chili- or strawberry plants, then come in and see the collection of organically grown plants for your own garden.

   

  Opening hours

  On the website of the Ecology Garden, you can see the current opening hours as well as the entry price. You can also find information about the garden, get advice for your own garden or buy seeds and other products in the webshop.

  Read more : The Ecology Garden (Økologiens Have)

• Gosmer Church

  4.88 km

  Hads Herred's cathedral

  The charming nickname of Gosmer Church should be taken with a grain of salt. It is not a cathedral, and its size cannot compare to, for example, Aarhus Cathedral. However, it is indeed an unusually large village church that was built in an area with little development at the time.

  Gosmer Church is believed to have been constructed by a local nobleman in the late 12th century. It was built from large granite blocks, which was not the norm in the Odder region. It is thought that builders from the construction of Ribe Cathedral and Viborg Cathedral traveled to Gosmer, which may explain the church's size.

  During the Middle Ages, Gosmer Church was owned by the Catholic Church until the king confiscated it during the Reformation in 1536, which was the case for nearly all Danish churches. Like other churches, it passed into private ownership in the 17th century and later became almost synonymous with the Rathlou family - the powerful local noble family that has left a significant mark on the Odder area. Margrethe Gersdorff took over Gosmer Church and built the nearby manor, Gersdorffslund, making the church a sort of family church. The church remained part of Rathlousdal Estate until 1925, when it became privately owned.

   

  About the church

  Gosmer Church has a distinctive appearance from the outside, where the original Romanesque choir and nave made of granite blocks stand in stark contrast to the later (late medieval) tower and porch, which are whitewashed. You will also quickly notice the beautiful saw-tooth patterns repeated on the roof, tower, and porch, which visually tie the building together. Before entering the church, one should observe the extensive stone art from the 12th century in the masonry. Above the south door, there is a unique Romanesque motif depicting a woman nursing two lions.

  The church's oldest furnishings include the Romanesque font, which has likely always been in the church. It features a beautifully carved lion motif—something characteristic of East Jutland, known as the Horsens type. The baptismal bowl dates back to 1550. The Baroque altarpiece and pulpit from the 17th century were crafted by Peder Jensen Kolding from Horsens, whose beautiful works can be found in many churches in the area. The bell dates from the latter half of the 15th century.

  In general, Gosmer Church has very interesting older furnishings.

   

  The Rathlou family’s burial chapel

  In 1681, Gregorius Rathlou passed away, and his widow, Margrethe Gersdorff, ensured that he was buried in a newly built burial chapel in the church tower, which is quite prominent in the church with an entrance from the nave via a large portal with a memorial plaque. Upon Margrethe Gersdorff's death, it became an actual family burial site, where the owners of Gersdorffslund and Rathlousdal are buried. Among those buried here are Christian Rathlou and his wife.

  On the north side of the nave, there is also a burial chapel for former Prime Minister Joachim Otto Schack-Rathlou, his wife, and daughter, where they are interred in marble sarcophagi.

   

  Visiting Gosmer Church

  Gosmer Church is open when the groundskeepers are at the cemetery, typically during daytime hours on weekdays. The groundskeepers are often present in the period, but there is no guarantee that it will be open when you arrive.

   

  More historical attractions

  The Kystlandet region offers many exciting historical attractions, ranging from ancient history to industrial heritage. From museums to architectural landmarks and natural attractions, you can find inspiration for historically interesting experiences near Horsens, Odder, and Juelsminde on this page.

  Read more : Gosmer Church

• 

  Dorthe Bent

  5.61 km

  Colourful and detailed glass art

  Dorthe Bent specialises in glass art such as platters, bowls, and tables that have an aesthetic as well as practical function. Dorthe Bent paints the glass and sprinkles it with glass powder and broken glass. Glass encompasses a wide range of potential expressions – the art can be simple, rustic, and filled with many small unique details.

  In the gallery you can purchase glass platters, adornments, glass paintings for the wall, and glass sculptures.

  At Dorthe Bent’s website you can see a selection of her glass artwork. Feel free to contact Dorthe Bent with special requests and enquiries.

   

  Beautiful landscape painting

  Dorthe Bent also creates visual art in the shape of abstract and experimental landscape paintings. She expresses the atmosphere of the scene by means of a special presentation of light and an abstract use of patterns and layers. The walls of the gallery are filled with paintings, and you can also see a selection of beach paintings on her website.

   

  Glass workshops for groups

  Would you like to try Dorthe Bent’s special technique for creating glass art? She offers courses and workshops for groups of 5-10 participants in her art studio. At the workshops you will learn about the potential of the cold glass by cutting, painting, and sprinkling with crushed glass the Dorthe Bent way.

  Read more about the workshops on the website (in Danish) or contact Dorthe Bent to learn more.

  Read more : Dorthe Bent

• 

  Moesgaard Museum

  13.31 km

  Presenting the past in a magnificent architectural setting

  Prehistory presented innovatively in a breathtaking architectural setting makes for a world-class museum experience when you visit the Moesgaard Museum. The past becomes alive and the people in the exhibits will step forward and provide the visitors with a better understanding of the past and how we arrived at where we are in the present.

  An international attraction

  The Moesgaard Museum is a huge attraction not only because of the architectural design of the museum and the exhibitions, but also due to its location in the beautiful natural surroundings in south of Aarhus, overlooking the woods and sea.

  The evolutionary stairway

  The evolutionary stairway at Moesgaard Museum is not only a key element of the architecture, which leads to the various exhibitions of the museum, it is also very much an opportunity for you to see where we human beings originate from.

  On the stairs you will see seven hominins. They were members of the tribe Hominini, which means ”human species”, but they don't all look like the modern human being. 

  Read more about the evolutionary stairway

  Grauballe Man

  Due to the unique conditions in the peat bog, the body was exceptionally well preserved, even after being deposited in the bog for more than 2,000 years. For example, you can still see the finger nails, the toe nails and hair on the body.

  Read more about the Grauballe Man

  A museum experience for everyone

  Staged settings, dramatized storytelling, and state-of-the-art research all combine to make the exhibitions at the new museum appeal to visitors of all ages while also creating a sense of bonding, fellowship and shared experience across generations.

  Moesgaard Museum has three Michelin stars in the Michelin attraction's guide.

  The museum is closed on:
  December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st.

  See what others are sharing on Instagram

  #moesgaardmuseum #visitaarhus #visitaarhusregion
  
  CHILDREN UNDER 18 YEARS: FREE ADMISSION

  Read more : Moesgaard Museum

• 

  Kirkeskoven

  16.81 km

  Kirkeskoven is perfect for a day in the nature with outdoor activities for the entire family. The forest is often used for walking, running and on bike. The beautiful nature makes the forest perfect for a horse ride and for roleplay. 

  Experience plants from the whole world

  Next to Kirkeskoven you'll find Forstbotanisk Have, which is a big garden filled with 900 different trees, bushes and plants from the entire world. Forstbotanisk Have is also pretty in the winter monts, where the bushes and other plants is covered in frost and snow. 

  It is not alloud to pick and collect plants from the garden. 

  Beautiful animals

  Kirkeskoven has lots of animals. You can experience birds, squirrels, deers and owls. The garden has also some ponds where you can see ducks, herons and much more. 

  Parking

  You can park your car at Skovridervej at the old Skovriderbolig. 

  See what others are sharing in Instagram

  #kirkeskoven #visitaarhus #visitaarhusregion

   

  Read more : Kirkeskoven

• 

  The Deer Park

  16.89 km

  When Dyrehaven reopens ...

  Picnicking

  In the Deer Park there are plenty benches and table-and-bench sets, so feel free to bring along a picnic basket for a pleasant lunch or a snack in the wonderful surroundings.

  Guidelines for public access to the park

  Please show care when in the Deer Park. The animals are easy to find between the trees and on the hills as you walk. And you can get up close to the fallow deer and stags and scratch them behind the ear. In the past, you were allowed to feed the animals, but it's best to feed them only what the zoo provides. Follow the instructions given by the park regarding feeding and handling the animals.

  Show care for the animals

  You are not allowed to bring dogs, cycle, jog, or go orienteering, or gather chestnuts and acorn from the ground as the deer feed on these. Leave the Deer Park the way you would like to find it and walk quietly; it will give you a much bigger experience.

  Opening hours

  The Deer Park is open from 8 am until sunset, and admission is free. At night the animals require peace and quiet in order to rest undisturbed.

  See what others are sharing on Instagram

  #marselisborgdyrehave #visitaarhus #visitaarhusregion

  Read more : The Deer Park

• 

  Forstbotanisk Have

  17.01 km

  The garden was created in 1923 and in addition to what has been planted over time, it also contains several majestic old oak and beech trees from before the garden was built. The trees form a kind of canopy in the garden and contribute to the wondrous, magical feel that characterises Forsthaven.

  A city centre destination

  Forstbotanisk Have is no further away from the city than you can easily put on your trainers or hiking boots and head out. The garden is located in the south of Aarhus, hidden by Marselisborg Castle and Castle Park and Mindeparken, which are ideal to visit when you're in the area. Nature and city dwellers alike can have a great experience in some very special, different natural surroundings.

  See what others are sharing on Instagram

  #forstbotaniskhave #visitaarhus #visitaarhusregion

   

  Read more : Forstbotanisk Have

• 

  The Infinite Bridge

  17.18 km

  The Infinite Bridge has been taken down for the winter, but in April 2021 you can visit it again.
  

  Circle shaped bridge

  Originally, The Infinite Bridge (Den Uendelige Bro) was displayed in relation with the Sculpture By The Sea event in 2015. The people of Aarhus took to the work of art to such an extent that the Municipality of Aarhus contributed to reconstructing the bridge as a permanent piece of art – and an infinitely beautiful pier.

  The Infinite Bridge has been created by architect Niels Povlsgaard and Johan Gjødes.

  The circle shaped, wooden construction spans from the surf and out into Aarhus Bay, and it is a popular excursion spot for locals as well as tourists.

  360 degree panoramic view

  Whether you feel like putting on your bathing suit and jump in the water or simply walk around and around enjoying the view of the sea, the beach and the forest, The Infinite Bridge is an amazing place to spend the day with family and friends.

  The Infinite Bridge is set up from April until October. If you have questions regarding The Infinite Bridge please contact the Municipality of Aarhus at info@vigirbyenpuls.dk.

  Access to the bridge

  The Infinite Bridge will be taken down during the winter months and will be re-erected next year in week 17. This means that the bridge will be ready for use again from around 26 April 2025.

  During the summer months, the bridge is accessible around the clock.

  See what others are sharing on Instagram

  #denuendeligebro #visitaarhus #visitaarhusregion

  Read more : The Infinite Bridge